Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
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Free Music Notes for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Free Music Review: I was hoping for a lot more...
Hit: 3 Stars
It was great to hear John Williams in action again with another Indy score, but to be honest, I was reluctant to give into this new CD. To me, the Indy series wrapped up nicely, and cleanly, back in 1989 with 'The Last Crudade.' A fine send-off to both the Indiana Jones character, and to Williams' rich thematic material. But nope, Lucas is off to milk the Indy cow again, even though Harrison Ford is really, really growing implausably old to be playing the adventure hero.
Anyhow, Williams - I consider John Williams to be the greatest composer ever. Granted, the prime of his scoring was around the late 1970's - mid 1980's, but I've inconsistently enjoyed a great number of his scores since then (I think the general rule is, the less serious the tone of the film, the more enjoyable the score that Williams writes.)
But this Crystal Skull score just does not work for me. We've got the main title, which sounds note per note identical to 'Raiders' (not even a slight variation from Raiders? Was this another cut-n-paste job, like the opening credits of Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith?)
Then we get into the main score, which, to be honest, just isn't all that engaging this time. So much of it just sounds reminiscent of Sith, as if we're listening to more of Obi-Wan chasing after, er, whatever that big, skull-looking CGI-robot thing was called. Nothing here really made me take pause and think, 'Wow! Williams is back in action again!'
Instead, this CD sounded very much like a Williams-inspired FAN, writing music ala Williams: close sounding, but not quite right.
The one highlight to me, sadly brief, was the first minute of the 'Finale' with a very gorgeous retelling of the Marion theme. Over far to fast, then it's just another recap of the material.
Sigh.
Free Music Review: Indy's Back!
Hit: 5 Stars
Without going into too much detail this soundtrack is nothing short of great. I have only listened to it once and it is already begining to stick in my mind. What more could you ask for, this is Indiana Jones. Even some of the newer score is fantastic. As soon as the " Raiders March " started I began to feel like a young child once again, carefree and innocent and thats a great feeling. Simply put, if the music makes you feel good inside then it must be doing everything right. Thanks again John Williams.
Free Music Review: Indiana Jones is back! And so is his music!
Hit: 4 Stars
The score to "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" is a worthy entry into the series' pantheon of film music.
Notable Tracks: The "Raiders March" is as inspiring and rousing a piece of film music ever composed. "The Call of the Crystal" introduces one of the film's new motifs, a three-note string repetition that builds with a tenuous flute progression. This is an understated and atmospheric piece, obviously meant to build tension and suggest a great mystery. Is it a piece you will hum? No. But it has structure and a presence that is actually pretty diverse (when it shows up in later tracks) given its simplicity. Other notable pieces: "The Adventures of Mutt", "The Snake Pit" and "A Whirl Through Academe" are whimsical pieces reminiscent of the motorcycle music from "The Last Crusade." "Irinia's Theme" is a string-heavy romantic piece, with a down-tone to suggest evil! "The Spell of the Skull" repeats the "Map Room" theme from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (which raises an eyebrow and wonders if there is a direct connection to the Lost Ark of the Covenant happening in this new movie). One of the bigger surprises is "The Journey to Akator" which midway thru breaks into an indigenous arrangement of South American music (full-on tropical dance stuff). "Return" is a repeat of the "Crystal Skull" theme, this time sounding more cohesive and focused. The film's more traditional creepy-crawlies action music blends together mostly, sounding more incidental and less like concert music (these selections include "Grave Robbers", "Secret Doors and Scorpions" and "Ants!"). "The Jungle Chase" is structured almost identically to pieces from past Indiana Jones scores, and its quite rousing. "Hidden Treasure and The City of Gold" is another satisfying piece, suggesting a great discovery takes place by the track's end. "Temple Ruins and The Secret Revealed" has an excellent version of the Crystal Skull motif. At this point in the score, the Crystal Skull motif has evolved from a delicate suggestion into a big, classic Hollywood-style theme (a la Bernard Herrmann's work on Hitchcock's films). And then there's the "Finale" which starts with "Marion's Theme" from the "Raiders" score and then moves to the classic "Raider's March" to other motifs (Mutt's theme, Irinia's theme) and closing on the traditional Indy ending (with a little pop at the end).
In the end, this is a very enjoyable score. There's enough nostalgia to satisfy our memories of 20-plus years ago, and the new music blends in perfectly as well. It's really difficult to "rate" scores by John Williams as he does operate on a different level from other composers. And usually, people will rank his work against himself, which may be unfair. Bottom line: if you enjoy this type of music, get this score.
Free Music Review: Indiana Jones for the 21st Century (19 years older)
Hit: 5 Stars
I can't believe I am finally listening to this album! After treasuring the first three for decades, it is thrilling to hear Maestro Williams back at it again. Yes, his sound and style have evolved over the last 19 years - this album does not have the same orchestral soundscape as the original trilogy...just as the film does not have the same exact visual style as the original trilogy. It sounds very similar to his latest action/blockbuster efforts (Some Star Wars Episode II, some Minority Report, some Harry Potter & POA...There's even some eery use of the electronic/synth voice from Witches of Eastwick!) If you approach this album with the same nostalgia as the original films, you will enjoy it. It's great music from John Williams - that alone puts a smile on my face!Free Music Review: Great score....John Williams does it again!
Hit: 4 Stars
John Williams does a great job on this new Indy film and as a fan of the previous 3 sountracks, my only criticism is that he borrows from Raider's too much, especially in "The Jungle Chase" and in "The Spell of the Skull". It is worth noting that there is more originality in the second half of the soundtrack, starting with "Orellana's Cradle" that ranks right up there in awesomeness with "The Map Room at Dawn" from Raiders.
It is a classic John Williams and a good addition to anyone's Indy library.